People with learning disabilities remain under-supported by mental health services

Continuing with their mission to see adults with learning disabilities receive equal support to those with physical disabilities, the Foundation for People With Learning Disabilities (FP) has released a new report detailing disparities that still exist in the care sector.

Barriers to good health highlighted by ‘Feeling Down: Improving the mental health of people with learning disabilities’ include lack of access to crucial services, as well as serious issues with the general standard of provision adults with learning disabilities receive.

The Foundation points out that stigma still holds sway over many people’s lives, despite welcoming recent efforts to change attitudes, such as with the national ‘Time for Change’ initiative.

As Jenny Edwards, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation explains: “People with learning disabilities should have equality in the campaign for good mental health services for everybody. The most vulnerable people are being let down.

“The report highlights that despite the fact that 20–40% of people with learning disabilities experience a mental health problem, it appears that little is being done to promote mental health to their families and front line staff.

“The report draws attention to the fact that access to mental health services, assessment and treatment for this group of people needs to be improved.”

Case studies from the report show that adults with disabilities are often presented with information in a format they do not understand, that they often have difficulty being believed or listened to and that other people only see their disability rather than seeing a person.

Professor Sheila the Baroness Hollins, who launched the report in the House of Lords today, said:

“We know that the majority of people who have mental health problems including anxiety and depression do not receive such prompt and comprehensive care as they do for physical health conditions, and timely access to mental health services is even worse for people with learning disabilities.

“This report and the accompanying resources provide a wake-up call to policy makers, commissioners, regulators, professional bodies and providers.”

Author of the report, Christine Koulla, adds: “There is more to accessing mental health services when considering the needs of people with learning disabilities. The first being that their symptoms are recognised and they are believed.

“It is time that commissioners, Health and Wellbeing Boards and CCGs took responsibility for equality in practice and delivery of services to ensure accessible, inclusive and valuable psychological support is available for all individuals with learning disabilities.”

Figures show that people with learning disabilities are three times more likely to develop poor mental health than others.